What is the standard reference wood for aircraft structures?

The standard reference wood for aircraft structures is Sitka Spruce. This species is known for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, making it ideal for aviation applications, particularly in the construction of wings and other structural components. Sitka Spruce provides the necessary durability and lightness essential for aircraft performance, which is critical for flight efficiency and safety.

Additionally, Sitka Spruce has good elasticity, allowing it to withstand the stresses experienced during flights without compromising structural integrity. This wood has been a historical favorite in the aviation industry, particularly in the early 20th century and continues to be utilized in certain applications today due to its unique favorable characteristics.

Other types of wood, such as Red Oak, Eastern White Pine, and Western Cedar, may have their own properties that make them useful for different applications, such as furniture or general construction, but they do not match the specific performance requirements needed for aircraft structures that Sitka Spruce meets effectively.